r/GuatemalaTravel

Hi! I’m hoping to travel to Guatemala in February next year and seeking advice on how much time to spend for my trip.

My current thinking is fly into Guatemala City early on the morning of Day 1 (land ~7am), then transport to Antigua and spend that first day there exploring. Then Day 2 leave for Acatenango/Fuego hike overnight, and return to Antigua on Day 3. Then in the afternoon on Day 3 transport to Lake Atitlan and check into accommodation that night. I’m under the impression I can then spend Days 4, 5, and 6 at my accommodation and checking out different towns around the lake. I would plan to transport back to Guatemala City during the afternoon of the last day for a midnight flight home.

My questions are, is 6 days enough for this trip or should I adjust my plan to include more time and where? Also, is it feasible to take the transportation needed during the times I laid out to get between different places? Lastly, where should I look to stay in Atitlan? I love nature and hiking so if there’s any place where I would be able to hike easily at least part of one day, that would be nice.

Please provide any and all advice, thanks

My little bro wants to do Acatenango as his university graduation present. We're both pretty adventure-forward and want to support local guide companies, restaurants, and shops. What are the best local spots and tours we can support in Antigua, Pacaya, and Lake Amatitlán?

Below is our very rough itinerary

• Day 1: Land in Guatemala City & spend the afternoon in Antigua
• Day 2: Pacaya day trip - ATV or horseback tour
• Days 3-4: Antenango & Fuego hike
• Days 4-6: Lake Amatitlán
• Day 7: Deep sea fishing OR fly back

Hey everyone, looking for general advice for solo travel.

I am planning a last minute trip to Guatemala week of June 8th and have about 5 days to spend between Lake Atitlan and Antigua.

I enjoy nature, hiking, diving, spas, bars.

I am typically not a hostel guy at this age but are there any with diverse age ranges that offer organized hikes? I have no major budget limits for accommodations.

So far I have looked in to Tropicana and Maya Papaya for stays

I am leaning towards Pana or SP during my time at the lake.

Planning a trip in the next month to either Santa Ana in El Salv or Antigua in Guat. Was looking to see if anyone has anyone pros or cons for one or the other. Would love to do some more nature oriented stuff (respective volcano hikes, etc) and see some of the local city stuff as well. Was thinking about Tropicana hostel in Antigua and Casa Verde in Santa Ana. Would appreciate any insight.

Hello! I'm currently planning a ~14-person (ages 25-30) 7-day group trip to Guatemala the first week of May 2027 and would love to hear any recommendations or comments! We're not looking for a big party scene but instead exploring and engaging with the area. One of my biggest concerns is finding proper accommodations for a group that size. Ie. should we stay at a large Air BnB/VRBO or hotels/hostels? Are there restaurants that accommodate that size or should we shoot for hiring a local chef to cook at our place? I'd love to support local businesses and communities as much as possible, so if I have something listed that wouldn't or you have recs that would, please let me know!

Check out my tentative schedule:

Day One: Arrive at GUA and take a scheduled shuttle to Antigua (Probably will book through Guatego or 12Go). Will most likely hire a chef if we stay at an Air Bnb/VRBO. Any recommendations on which part of Antigua to stay in?

Day Two: Explore Antigua & Coffee Tour

• De La Gente coffee tour
• Walk around Antigua visit some of the following:
  • Iglesia de la Merced (Church of La Merced)
  • Convento de la Recolección
  • Convent of the Capuchins
  • Ruins of the Convento de Santo Domingo (Convent of Santo Domingo)
• Wanted to visit Pastores for boots but probably won't have time. Would it be worth fitting it in?
• Eat: Rincóncito Antigüeño, El Tenedor, Rosanta - Cocina sostenible, Restaurante Fridas, 27 Adentro. So many options to choose from, would love to wander in somewhere but hoping to prebook because of group size
• Close the night at a bar nearby our stay (any recs for a chill spot for beer?)

Day Three: Start Acatenango hike/tour

• Will use one of the following: Old Town Outfitters, OX Adventures, or Wicho & Charlies. Does it matter which one to go with? Should we do the Fuego add on?

Day Four: Finish Acatenango, Travel from Antigua to Atitlan

• No itinerary other than making it to Atitlan and checking into our stay; will probably book a shuttle through Guatego, 12go, or Antigua Tours
• Any recommendations on what area to stay in on Lake Atitlan? Panajachel? Santa Cruz? Or wherever we find a place we like?
  • We've looked at a few hotels, hostels and VRBO's around the area but I'd love to hear any recs/thoughts on which one would be best for ~14 people?
  • Cafe del Mundo, Casa Prana Hotel, La Iguna Perdida, Free Cervaza Hostel look like great places but thinking we would have a better experience in a large private rental residence on the water with a local chef

Day Five & Six: Explore Lake Atitlan

• We'd like to have these two days to relax and do light activities but want to spend most of the time lounging, drinking beer (at our stay/on the lake/or at a local bar), and enjoying the views.
• Some random activities we may incorporate (just one or two a day) listed below:
  • Paragliding
  • Kayaking/SUP on the water
  • Cliff jumping at Reserva Natural del Cerro Tzankujil
  • Group Yoga class - San Marcos La Laguna?
  • Cooking class
  • Guided fishing trip on the Lake?
  • Cacao ceremony/class
  • Santiago Atitlán market
  • Rey Tepepul Municipal Nature Reserve bird watching
  • Weaving class
  • Attend a fire ceremony

Day Seven: Antigua to GUA shuttle and fly home

Apologies for the many questions and rough planning and thank you for helping me! I'll update this thread as I plan more and post trip.